Page 60 of Rogue Royal
He gripped Douglas’s lapels and pulled him close, fusing their lips in a short but hard kiss. “Get going, or you’ll be late.”
Douglas narrowed his eyes. “I might have let you take care of me the other night, but it doesn’t mean you’re in charge.”
Mav lifted the corner of his lip. “I know, Sir.”
“My apartment tonight. I have something for you.”
Mav’s breath hitched, and he licked his lips. “Yes, Sir.”
“Good.” Douglas kissed him again and whirled to the door. “Don’t work too hard.” He winked over his shoulder.
“Be good, and I won’t have to.” He bit his lip as Douglas narrowed his eyes again, then grinned.
When the door closed behind Douglas, Mav dropped into his chair, unable to contain his smile. It was nice to have someone to banter with. He rubbed his hands over the sleeve of his silk shirt, closing his eyes at the remembered feelings evoked in him when Douglas used different textures on his naked skin. He’d never expected it to feel so…decadent. He scrubbed at his five o’clock shadow, the rough texture scratching his fingers and reminding him of how Douglas had used his own the night before. Rubbing lotion into his skin before they went to sleep had been essential afterwards.
Grinning, he refocused on his laptop, knowing he had some updates to do on the social media accounts.
When he’d finished, he grabbed his things and exited the room, heading for his car.
“Maverick.”
He stopped and glanced at the queen. “Yes, Your Majesty?”
“Can I have a word, please?”
“Of course.”
Mav didn’t know what she might want to speak to him about, but he followed her and her personal guard to a room, entering and sitting when indicated to.
“Would you like some tea?”
“No, thank you.”
“Just for me, please, Portia,” she told her assistant as she crossed her legs on the sofa opposite him. “Now, Maverick, how are things?”
“Um…good. The public is reacting favourably to the photographs I’ve been posting about Douglas’s recent activities. There has been no further negative media attention, although I’m sure if Douglas keeps as he is, they will dig something up from his past.”
Queen Louisa nodded, thanking and dismissing her assistant once she’d been passed her tea. “I know how fickle the media is. Thank you for the update. I was actually asking about you. Personally.”
“I’m sorry?”
“How areyou, Maverick?”
Mav’s cheeks lit, and he dropped his gaze. “I’m enjoying what I’m doing.”
“And how do you feel about my son?”
Mav’s eyes widened, and his gaze shot to her amused one. “I…I…”
“It’s not a trick question.” She smiled and sipped her tea, placing the cup back onto the saucer with a soft chink.
Mav inhaled. He was in a difficult situation because he couldn’t tell her how he felt about her son, but he was reluctant to diminish what they had.
“It might be easier for me to ask how long you’ve been in love with Douglas?”
His mouth opened and closed several times, trying to formulate a reply before he slumped into the sofa. “Longer than I should’ve been,” he whispered.
The queen’s tinkling laughter filled the room, and Mav glanced at her in surprise. She clapped her hands together. “I knew it!” She must’ve seen something on Mav’s face because she leaned forward, clasping her hands together. “Do you not want to be with him?”
